broom closet

English

Etymology

By analogy with closet, and due to the association of witchcraft with brooms.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

broom closet (plural broom closets)

  1. (figuratively, often humorous) The metaphorical place in which a Wiccan's religious identity is hidden.
  2. (US) A closet in which cleaning materials and associated equipment, such as brooms, are stored.
    Synonym: (UK) broom cupboard
    • 1988 February 26, Jack Clark, “Who Killed Jay Brunkella?”, in Chicago Reader[1]:
      The backup team would be crouched in some tiny broom closet, with sweat rolling down their faces and their backs growing stiffer, and the jackrollers would just walk by.

Translations